What does Judges 13:5 mean?
"For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." - Judges 13:5

The verse Judges 13:5 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." This verse comes from the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Judges, which follows the story of the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land.
This particular verse is part of the story of Samson, one of the most well-known judges and heroes of the Israelites. The significance of this verse lies in the prophecy given to Samson's mother by an angel. The angel tells her that she will conceive and bear a son, instructing her that no razor should come upon his head, as he is to be a Nazarite to God from birth. This sets the stage for the birth and life of Samson, who goes on to play a significant role in delivering the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines.
The themes present in this verse are numerous and significant. Firstly, the theme of divine intervention and prophecy is evident as the angel of the Lord delivers a specific message to Samson's mother. This demonstrates the belief in the divine plan and the role of God in the lives of his people. The concept of the Nazarite vow, which Samson is to observe, is also a significant theme in this verse. The Nazarite vow is a voluntary vow of separation and dedication to God, and it involves abstaining from certain things such as cutting one's hair, drinking wine, and touching dead bodies. This vow sets Samson apart as a dedicated servant of God, chosen for a special purpose.
Another theme present in this verse is the idea of deliverance and liberation. The angel specifically states that Samson will begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. This sets the stage for the larger narrative of Samson's role as a judge and deliverer of the Israelites, as he uses his exceptional strength and determination to combat the Philistine oppressors.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. At the time of this prophecy, the Israelites were under the rule of the Philistines, who were a constant threat and source of oppression. The birth of Samson and his subsequent actions were to play a crucial role in the liberation of the Israelites from their oppressive rulers. The story of Samson unfolds within this backdrop of political and social turmoil, highlighting the desperate need for a deliverer and the divine intervention that provides one in the form of Samson.
Symbolism in this verse is also worth noting. The Nazarite vow, specifically the prohibition against cutting one's hair, serves as a symbol of separation and dedication to God. Samson's uncut hair becomes a physical representation of his commitment to God and his unique role as a Nazarite. Additionally, the significance of Samson's strength, which comes from his adherence to the Nazarite vow, serves as a symbol of the power and authority given to him by God for the purpose of delivering the Israelites.
In conclusion, Judges 13:5 from the King James Version of the Bible holds immense significance within the larger narrative of the book of Judges. It sets the stage for the birth and life of Samson, a central figure in the deliverance of the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines. The themes of divine intervention, the Nazarite vow, deliverance, and the symbolism of Samson's dedication and strength all contribute to the rich and profound meaning of this verse. It serves as a powerful and symbolic foreshadowing of the pivotal role Samson is to play in the history of the Israelites.
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Judges 13:5 - "For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
"For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." - Judges 13:5
Judges 5:13 - "Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty."
Judges 5:7
Judges 2:13 - "And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth."
Judges 13:13 - "And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware."
Judges 12:13 - "¶ And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel."
Judges 10:5 - "And Jair died, and was buried in Camon."
Judges 5:5 - "The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel."
"Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty." - Judges 5:13
Judges 5:1 - "Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,"
Judges 2:5 - "And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD."
Judges 18:13 - "And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah."
Judges 8:13 - "¶ And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,"
Judges 13:3 make the Angel of the Lord male
Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."
Judges 5:22 - "Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones."
Judges 13:25 - "And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol."
"And Jair died, and was buried in Camon." - Judges 10:5
Psalms 96:13 - "Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."
Judges 5:29 - "Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,"
Judges 5:10 - "Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way."
Judges 5:2 - "Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves."
Judges 1:5 - "And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites."
Judges 13:2 - "¶ And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not."
1 Corinthians 5:12 - "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?"
"And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth." - Judges 2:13
Judges 3:5 - "¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:"
Judges 13:24 - "¶ And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him."
Judges 5:18 - "Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field."